Now is the time to start thinking fitness. Most of us have a couple of months left before golf season really gets going and there's still time to get those big muscles stretched out and toned for all those rounds you'll play in the sunshine.

The first place you should start is with a simple stretching routine. Think about the areas the golf swing really affects: your lower back, your shoulders, even your hamstrings. It's all connected and those muscles need to be flexible for a smooth and solid swing.

Make it part of your daily routine. Stretch your lower back with a few twists, touch your toes and find the best way to get those shoulders warmed up. Do a few more reps as the days go on.

Now, almost all of the best players at the professional level are lifting weights. Some are doing it to bulk up, but the majority is doing it to tone their muscles. If you're not already lifting on a regular basis, I'd recommend trying the latter.

Toning your muscles means lighter weight and more repetitions. Those kinds of workout will actually help increase your flexibility in the long run. If you're confused on what kind of weight exercises you should be doing, it's ok to ask a trainer at your local health club for a few tips.

Now in between family, your career and a little bit of stretching and weight lifting, it never hurts to hit a few balls. Get warm and head to a driving range to work on hitting the ever elusive straight ball, practice and the draw and even figure out how to hit that fade when you actually want to.

Getting off to a great start on the links comes down to how you prepare in the off-season. You're running out of time, so get started now.

Labels: fitness, golf, training

During the off-season, people are full of ideas on how to improve their games by visiting the driving range, working out and focusing on their mechanics. For those of us living in the colder regions of the country, there's something you can do that can improve your swing from the ground up.

More and more people every year are learning the art of Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art that focuses on slow movement, muscle control, balance and mental focus. Sounds a lot like the ingredients for a good golf swing? Maybe that's why more and more of those new Tai Chi students are athletes and golfers.

Let's face it, a good golf swing is a balanced golf swing. You're not rocking from toe to heel, your posture is such that you stay stable. After practicing Tai Chi for just a few months will teach you how to maintain that center of gravity through slow, control movements. Those movements do wonders for your tempo.

One of the focus points in any good Tai Chi practice is a full turn from the waist, not just turning from side to side with your torso. Do your warm-ups and then make sure you're making good turns while performing the Tai Chi form and that can't help but get translated into your golf swing.

I've been practicing Tai Chi for over a year now and had one of my best years ever on the golf course last year. Find a teacher in your area and give it a try, it might be the best thing you do this Winter.

Labels: fitness, golf, tai chi